Students returning to school this fall will not only be greeted by friends and teachers but newly appointed child and youth care counsellors as well.
The Department of Education, Culture and Employment partnered with Health and Social Services in an effort they hope will help ease the effects of trauma suffered by some students.
Studies by the Mental Health Commission of Canada indicate between 15 and 25 per cent of children and youth suffer from at least one mental health problem or illness. They commission also notes 70 per cent of young adults report mental health problems began when they were children. It was for this reason that the two departments deemed this action essential.
“Superintendents support this initiative as there is a demonstrated need in every school and community for enhanced mental health services for school-aged children and youth,” said Jacqueline McKinnon, manager of communications for the education department.
“By establishing mental health experts in schools, this initiative will increase the mental health literacy of students and school staff.”
Education can be a powerful tool in removing the stigma around mental illness, especially when it effects youth, said McKinnon.
During budget discussions, department officials stated it will reallocate internal funding equal to $1.5 million to accommodate next year's rollout of counsellors, said McKinnon.
“Children and youth in the NWT deserve qualified mental health experts to support their well-being, and that of their communities,” said Damien Healy, manager of communications with the Department of Health and Social Services.
“The decision for child and youth care counsellors was guided by the results of four separate youth engagement efforts that, together, captured the feedback of approximately 130 youth from every region of the Northwest Territories.”
The two departments consulted different organizations in the territory, including FOXY/SMASH, MACA Youth Ambassadors and the Back to the Trail Youth Gathering.
Schools, meanwhile, will not only have to reallocate funds but may also reallocate personnel to fulfill the government's plans.
Although child and youth care counsellors will come with a clinical practice background, McKinnon said guidance counsellors and teachers can notify her department if they would like to fill the child and youth care counsellor positions.
“Overall, superintendents support this initiative as there is a demonstrated need in every school and community for enhanced mental health services for school-aged children and youth,” said McKinnon.
The child and youth care counsellor program will be rolled out over the next four years, beginning thids fall.